Mike,I don't know what the rule will do, but I doubt it will kill the forums. The forums were here for 6 or 7 years BEFORE "Random Ramblings" even opened up. And the post count used to be double to triple what it is now.

Of course, political decisions are important, especially as they affect real estate investors. Discussing those specific actions, bills, etc. as they relate to real estate investing is one thing. From the few posts I've read, what you've been doing is quite another.

This site is dedicated to real estate investing INFORMATION and has almost never been part of any advocacy efforts.

If you want to do pure real estate networking, there are better sites for it. If you want to post properties for sale, there are better sites for it. If you want to share your own political views, there are better sites for it.

If you want to learn and share information about real estate investing, there are few sites better. Let's keep it that way, please.

Hey Mike I'm a big time lurker and I'd like to say that I hope you reconsider staying. You've posted a lot of good information over the years and I think everyone here would like you to keep contributing as long as it is related to RE. If you want to discuss politics there are tons of good forums for that.

Sidenote: I'm assuming that new laws and proposed laws that would directly effect business/RE are ok discuss even though it is political, as long as it doesn't turn into an ideology flame war.

Mike, I wish you would reconsider. I enjoyed your views here, especially politically. It is pretty crappy that we can't post our political views anymore, but the best way to change things in washington is to protest and contribute $$$ to the right candidates. Not posting on an internet forum. I think I am over the legal limit on Rand Paul, but I feel pretty good about the return on those dollars. There are a bunch of other good ones not as well known running in November.

Anyways I hope you stay but if you don't thanks for all your help over the years here.

Mike,If it hadn't been for your initial welcome when I first posted on REI I doubt I would have done it again. A couple of members flamed my post, I think it was "Why Not or Double Triple Your Rent By Furnishing Your Rentals" or something similar.

You assured me that I had posted something valuable and new and to ignore the critics. You were interested in what I wrote. You are the reason I continued to post on this site.

I've learned to accept verbal bashings and that it's okay to criticize others. I even enjoyed ribbing you about your postings. You have also exposed me to a Conservative viewpoint that I would not have sought out. That broadened my knowledge of the political spectrum and thought in this country.

You have moderated your postings, no more "Osama" when you got called on it.

I think you are too valuable a member to leave this site. You have written a useful book on landlording--I bought it, like many other readers on this site.

I respect you and your heart-felt beliefs. I think REI CLUB needs you and your expertise. I think you need us because we help moderate you when you get too far out there.

Political and religious discussions often divide people because we tend to be VERY entrenched in what we believe and these discussions can just end up causing friction.

Mike, I hope you reconsider and stay. As much as we disagreed on things political, your business sense is undeniable and you have great experience that is valuable to everyone here. I hope you remain a fixture here, it would be a shame to see you go.

Mike, If it wasnt for you I wouldnt know how much I truly hate being a landlord..You taught me about the business and if I didnt realize how much I hate it I wouldve never found my niche in Hard Money..I owe you a thank you for that,seriously..Lets put this political ban behind us and get back to doing what you do best..Helping others...Get back on the horse..Quitting is for quitters...You have a talent for managing properties and expressing real world expenses as you always said..There are many deals,there are many newbies to help..Take a few and cool off or I will give FO your email address and she will sign you up and put you on a regular DNC mailing list...LOL...

Hey Rookie. You just remininded me of something.. PM's book and insights have save me from losing THUSANDS by walking away from properties I thought were a good deal. In fact, Mike made me realize that Landlording was not for me either. Mainly because I couldn't find deals that fit his criteria for making money on rentals. There were too many people willing to pay too high of a price. When they eventually tried to sell beacuase they weren't making money, there was someone else willing to pay the same price.. I thought I'd be able to get these properties for a bargain but I was wrong. When the credit crisis hit and the banks foreclosed, they would'nt budge on the price.. Thanx Mike..